China forces Dutch warship out of disputed Paracel Islands in South China Sea

The People’s Liberation Army Southern Theater Command announced that it expelled the Dutch frigate HNLMS De Ruyter after the vessel entered Chinese‑controlled airspace near the disputed Paracel (Xisha) Islands. Chinese forces used verbal warnings and electronic interference, describing the incident as a serious violation of sovereignty, international law and regional peace.

De Ruyter, part of a five‑month mission to promote freedom of navigation in the Indo‑Pacific, had recently completed a goodwill visit to Manila and conducted exercises with Philippine forces. The Dutch commander described the helicopter encounter as professional, while Chinese officials warned that such interactions could easily lead to misunderstandings and miscalculations.